DRAW NEAR TO GOD…

BARBARA E. PERKINS

DRAW NEAR TO GOD…

The word of God in the Epistle of James 4:8 (NKJV) admonishes us in the following manner, “DRAW NEAR TO GOD AND HE WILL DRAW NEAR TO YOU. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” At first glance this Scripture seems kind of harsh. But, God’s word in the Gospel of John 3:16-17 gives a revelation that sheds light on the previous Scripture, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” God loves us so much and His word is always moving us into a position to receive His best, to be saved and free from condemnation. After all, God gave us His very best when He gave us JESUS CHRIST. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord, as a result, every time I read God’s word I am learning how to get closer to my Heavenly Father, and Jesus Christ. NOW, as I examine James 4:8, I can better understand why God’s word reminds us to position ourselves, “Move closer to God so that He will move closer to you...” Then God reminds us to examine our lifestyles as well, get our hearts right, and be single minded as we sincerely focus on Him, Jesus Christ and His word. I know that God is preparing us for a time period when the TSUNAMI of life will show up in the midst of our circumstances and we will know what to do. We will simply ride the tidal waves with Almighty God and with Jesus Christ because they can safely get us to the other side, if we have prepared ourselves through the word of God. So, when I read God’s word in James 4:8, I am not offended! I am grateful that I have another opportunity to examine myself to be sure that I am moving closer to my Heavenly Father, God and Jesus Christ. Thank You, Heavenly Father for showing my family and me Your loving kindness. Thank You for showing us Your mercy and grace!

TRUSTING THE LORD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

BARBARA E. PERKINS

TRUSTING THE LORD IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES

LORD, the political, economic and social winds in our nation, as well as nations around the world are howling in epic proportions, especially attempting to blow aside established political institutions.  At times, it can be troubling.  The word of the LORD admonishes me in Isaiah 26:3-4 (NKJV) with these encouraging words, “You will keep him (her) in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he (she) trusts in You.  Trust in the LORD forever, for in YAH, the LORD, is everlasting strength.”  Then Psalm 91:1-2 (NKJV) continues to be encouraging with the following words, “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High SHALL ABIDE (LIVE) under the shadow of the Almighty.  I will say of the Lord, ‘He is my Refuge and my Fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.’’’  I trust You, LORD and Your powerful word because You are my Refuge, my Fortress and my God.  The word of God in 2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds me that, “While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  Therefore, no matter what is going on, I can trust You, LORD GOD because You are still in control of all that You made in this Earth realm.  Finally, in Psalm 62:5-8 the word of the LORD reiterates and encourages me in this manner, 5 “My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. 6 He only is my Rock and my Salvation; He is my Defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my Salvation and my Glory; the Rock of my Strength, and my Refuge, is in God.  8 Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your heart before Him; God is a Refuge (Safe Place) for us. Selah (pause and calmly think of that)!”  LORD, I am always expecting you to DO and BE all that You said in Your word you would BE.  Thank You for being my Rock, my Salvation, my Defense, my Glory, my Strength and my Refuge.  You are all that my Family and I need.  I love You LORD and I honor You for Your goodness toward us.

BE STILL, … I AM GOD!

BARBARA E. PERKINS   

BE STILL, … I AM GOD!

The word of God in Psalm 46:10-11 (NKJV) declares, “Be still, and KNOW THAT I AM GOD; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah (pause, and calmly think of that)!”  If I don’t KNOW and understand simple facts that come from God’s word, I can ruin my life by not realizing the power and purpose of His word.  The LORD GOD says, “Be still, and KNOW that I AM GOD…”  In other words, I have to settle down and check to see what God’s word has to say about the situations that I am dealing with because I don’t have to be anxious about anything (Philippians 4:6-7).  Almighty God, the One Who created the heavens and the earth, said He is our REFUGE.  He offers a place where I can be still in an atmosphere of peace, where I can experience His delightful presence, receive His protection, and I can hear Him when He speaks through His word. While I am being still, I must read His word, meditate His word, study His word and be willing to trust His word.  Also, I absolutely must exalt the LORD for His goodness.  This is the word from the LORD of hosts for us, His people.  “Be still and KNOW that I Am GOD…”  LORD, I praise Your holy name for You are AWESOME!